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2018 Honda Fit Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2018 Honda Fit carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering display function and fuel pump. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel injector failure with carbon buildup and misfires.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

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4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign #23V046000 · Feb 2, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6DW. This recall has been superseded by NHTSA recall number 24V-384. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed under recall 24V-384.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign #24V384000 · May 31, 2024

Issue: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles that were previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V-046. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are TIQ and DIR. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #26V332000 · May 21, 2026

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Honda Fit.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel injector failure with carbon buildup and misfires

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

31 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-06

“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a dangerous and winding road, the battery and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed due to carbon build up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746190
“My car was running very roughly and stuttering at high speeds. An independent garage confirmed that the car had bad fuel injectors at only 80,000 miles and it cost $950 to fix. I had 6 check engine lights appear from this issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609789
“All the dashboard lights came on in my car. I took it to the dealer and they said they needed to clean the injectors due to carbon buildup. My car has 42,000 miles on it and is 2018 Honda Fit. They charged me 613 dollars to clean the injectors”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11462041

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster display blanks or scrambles in cold

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2026-04

“The right side gauge in the dashboard (fuel gage, odometer, mpg, etc) goes blank or shows giberish intermentently, especially when cold. Currently the display has been permanently blank for some months now”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11649481
“Digital instrument cluster keeps shorting out. Sometimes displays gibberish, sometimes displays nothing at all while the car is driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567691
“Electrical board that controls the digital portion of the dashboard display fails in cold weather and (according to online discussion groups) appears to be progressively worse over time. My dashboard display is failing at temps below approx. 36 degrees Fahrenheit”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702285

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exterior paint peeling and delamination

STRUCTURE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2025-07

“The paint has begun to peel and delaminate, particularly on the roof and other panels, exposing bare metal. As a result, the exposed areas are now beginning to rust”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670777
“paint peeling off hood and doors now after already having the roof repainted under Honda extended warranty. now dragging feet on honoring paint peeling off the rest of the problem areas”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11559957
“THE PAINT IS DEFECTIVE AND KEEPS PEELING OFF AND EASILY GETS DAMAGED FROM EVER JUST CAR WASHES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11400096

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

VTC actuator rattle on cold start

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2025-11

“VTC actuator grinding noise during cold starts. Dealerships said it’s not a problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11535295
“I have noticed a grinding/rattling when starting my Fit from a cold engine. I have taken the car to the dealership and mentioned the noise - they recommended getting a new battery. Afterwards the noice was still happening”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11517428
“ENGINE RATTLE AT COLD ENGINE START UP. TROUBLE SHOOTED AS A BAD ACTUATOR AND APPARENTLY AN ONGOING PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398694

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water leak into cabin footwells

STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-11 → 2026-05

“Vehicle leaks water into driver side floor space, seems to be backing up from the wheel well after heavy rains. The driver’s side floor was completely covered in over 1” of water after a torrential downpour”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741085
“The fit 2018 when it rain the passenger side on the footwell will get full of water”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492759
“Body - constant water leaks in side the font footwells of the car. Sometimes it can be as much as a quart, was taken in to the deal for repair yet is still continues on both passages and driver side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566826

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump recall (23V858) repair parts unavailability

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2025-03

“The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650245
“Honda is not replacing the fuel pump on these vehicles. They are stating that the fuel pump has to fail before they replace it. If the fuel pump fails while someone is driving on the highway, there is a strong likelihood that they could crash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637195
“I received notification of a recall regarding the fuel pump on my 2018 Honda FIT. Now, six months later, I contacted my local dealership to get other work done and asked, again, for the recall work to be done”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11597330

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Honda Sensing multipurpose camera failure

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04 → 2026-05

“Multipurpose camera stopped working in normal conditions. Dealership says the camera is faulty. Several safety functions such as lane keep assist, collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control no longer work”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690913
“Failure of the, Multipurpose Camera (Honda Sensing), causing adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane-keep assist to stop working. Failed in 2023 and was replaced by honda costing me 1,600 dollars”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736772

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic emergency braking false activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2022-01

“The automated braking system deployed at maximum braking without warning 3 times in 60 miles of highway driving (this was the first time I had driven this car on a highway)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446971
“WHILE DRIVING ON A LIMITED ACCESS DIVIDED HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, THE CAR SUDDENLY APPLIED MAXIMUM BRAKING TO ABOUT 30MPH. THERE WERE NO CARS OR OTHER OBJECTS IN FRONT OF OUR CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11328066
“COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM FALSE ALARMS. THE CBMS SYSTEM OCCASIONALLY TRIGGERS AND APPLIES THE BRAKES FOR VEHICLES IN THE ONCOMING LANE. THE SYSTEM CANNOT DISTINGUISH ONCOMING TRAFFIC FROM AN OBSTACLE IN MY TRAVEL LANE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203060

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

13 crashes 1990–2024

How the 13 occupant deaths break down

10

driver deaths

3

passenger deaths

13

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2018 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Honda Fit reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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